Hello Friends,

Over the past 2 weeks, I have truly been able to experience a journey which cannot be put into words. For someone who has been concerned about the environment at length and has invested time and effort into environmental awareness, a two week expedition to the Arctic polar region was a once in a lifetime, life changing opportunity. This expedition is organized by Students on Ice, a Canadian non-profit organization which brings youth to the Polar Regions to educate them and inspire them to take action. The two week long expedition to the arctic took the students on board along the coast of Greenland, across the Davis Strait, and into the Northwest Passage.

As one of the students on this remarkable journey, I was able to see sights and experience moments which were truly left me in awe. The vast ocean, the endless stretches of permafrost covered land, and the magnificent glaciers stand as a testament to the northern parts of our planet. This coupled with the biodiversity: the whales, the seals, polar bears, arctic fowl, not to mention the fauna in the region all show us why preserving the arctic regions is so important.

Therefore, over the next few articles I would like to share with you some of the experiences I have had during this journey and what I have learned as a result. Sometimes being able to see and experience what you are advocating for can help you become even more inspired. This was certainly the case for me as a result of the Students of Ice journey.

In this article, I will be briefly describing my experience with the glaciers I was able to encounter. In particular in this article I will be focussing on the Illulissat Ice Fjord. Located along the western coastline of Greenland, the Illulissat Ice Fjord marks the location where the Greenland ice cap meets the ocean. The glacier known as Sermeq Kujalleq is one of the most active glaciers in the world and has been studied for many centuries. However, my experience with the ice fjord is one which perhaps cannot even be properly described in word. It is possible to find yourself staring at the blurred boundary where land meets ice which then meets ocean. One can stare across a vast expanse of ice which then slowly dissipates into a blue ocean. And it is perhaps the sight of seeing almost the pearl white sheet ice melting into the sapphire blue ocean which leads one to see the true extent of climate change. Most people concerned about climate change are aware of the fact that Greenland Ice Cap is at risk. However, to think that this vast expanse of ice, enough to make any person feel humbled before it, could be melted out of existence is a thought powerful enough to be inspiring.

The ice fjord is a UNESCO world heritage site due to multiple factors. The ice sheet has helped scientists who have studied it for centuries gain a deeper understanding of the nature of climate change and glacier dynamics. The ice fjord is home to many species of rare flora and fauna, the surrounding area has rich history of settlers dating back thousands of years, and ultimately the fjord is a natural spectacle.

These types of experiences are enough to make one reconsider the meaning of climate change, environmental awareness and conservation. These long words can take on a whole new meaning one which is collectively scientific, social, spiritual and moral. I thought that perhaps describing this experience would allow me to convey the learning which can take place on such an expedition – not just a fact based ?book? learning, but rather an internal personal learning. So, when I say that this expedition was life changing – I truly believe that it was. I highly recommend such programs to the Tunza members because they can connect us with the nature we try to conserve. They can provide a firm personal foundation for all of our efforts and initiatives.

If you have any questions or comments about this article please feel free to post below.

Regards,

Nitish  

Photo: Illiussat Icefjord 

Credit: touristnature.com